Things to Do This Weekend in NJ December 24-26 – NJ Family
Christmas weekend is here! Whether you’re looking to do something as a family, or just send the kids out of the house for a few hours with your relatives, there are plenty of fun activities going on. Be sure to check out the holiday train display at Battleship New Jersey — entry is included in the admission price. Take a stroll at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown for some fresh air or see Scuba Santa before he swims away for the season. Merry Christmas to all!
ALL WEEKEND
New Jersey Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Nutcracker
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday
It’s the 50th anniversary of New Jersey Ballet’s beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
Santa Train Ride at Northlandz
Northlandz, Flemington
Saturday – Sunday
Get ready for the most exciting holiday encounter ever with a Holiday Santa Train Ride. Northlandz is promising to spread a cheerful Christmas vibe around that you are not going to forget for the whole next year. Santa Claus train ride event is for all kids and elders, families and friends. The kids are going to love the company of a real Santa that they always wanted to meet in person.
Battleship New Jersey Holiday Train Display
Battleship New Jersey, Camden
Friday & Sunday
A new holiday model train display will be available for guests to experience in the Wardroom. This display, courtesy of the South Jersey Garden Railroad Society (SJGRS), will be free to experience with a tour of the Battleship. The Battleship will be open for tours every day in December except for Christmas Day.
Holidays on Hunterdon Trail
119 Main St., Flemington
Friday – Sunday
A day trip along Hunterdon County’s 579 trail is a magical way to enjoy the holiday season. The vineyards, farms and specialty markets are dressed up with fresh evergreens, twinkling lights, and warm hospitality. Hunterdon’s 579 Trail (hunterdon579trail.com) is made up of agricultural and agritourism sites located on or near Hunterdon County’s historic Route 579.
FRIDAY
Christmas Eve Family-Oriented Service
United Methodist Church of Red Bank, Red Bank
Join Christmas Eve at 5 pm for a Family-Oriented service. Sing carols and have fun this Christmas eve for kids and grown-ups alike.
Clear the House Stroll at Deep Cut Gardens
152 Red Hill Rd., Middletown
It is Christmas Eve and there is still so much to do. To top it off, you have a house full of guests.Send them to Deep Cut Gardens for a one hour “Clear the House” stroll! Explore the gardens on this special holiday with a park guide. This free stroll takes place on even paths and at a slow pace, perfect for enjoying Deep Cut’s winter splendor.
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
This holiday season, dive into Christmas Underwater, now through this Friday, December 24, and discover an incredible world of seasonal under-the-sea fun! Scuba Santa is back in Ocean Realm, sharing Christmas cheer with kids (and animals!) of all ages. Explore even more holiday decor than ever before, including underwater light displays, festive new shows and the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree. Christmas Underwater is included with your daily admission or membership and reservations are strongly recommended.
Christmas Wonderland
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
The Christmas Wonderland features vintage figures from the 1950s-70s with different scenes, from the traditional Nativity Scene to a modern Christmas. You can also take your own pictures with Santa for free.
SUNDAY
Sea of Lights Spectacular
Jenkinson’ Boardwalk, Point Pleasant
This winter wonderland includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, Diving Santa and holiday entertainment.
Trenton Brass Quintet
New Jersey State Museum Auditorium, Trenton
As part of Trenton’s Patriots Week, the Trenton Brass Quintet will perform a free concert in the NJ State Museum Auditorium. The concert will be a mix of sacred and secular holiday favorites. No tickets or reservations needed; masks required for all attendees over the age of 2.
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park, Newark
Experience the beauty of Newark at the Winter Village, a stylish open-air festival overlooking beautiful downtown Newark with curbside eats, ice skating and marketplace. Enjoy food and hot beverages from selective local businesses inside a cozy heated private pod or igloo.
ONGOING
Festival of Trees
Morven Museum, Princeton
Open Sunday Christmas weekend
Visit Morven for the time-honored holiday exhibition, Festival of Trees. Enjoy the juried collection of ornamental trees and mantels displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, sure to put you in the spirit of the season.
Newport Skates
Newport Skates, Jersey City
(Closed Christmas Day)
Newport Skates, Jersey City’s only outdoor ice skating rink, is open for the 2021-2022 season. Skaters can once again enjoy beautiful views of the New York City skyline while zipping around the rink. Online ticketing is available through the Newport Skates website.
The Polar Express Whippany
1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany
(Closed Christmas Day)
All aboard The Polar Express! Experience the magic of The Polar Express as you take a one-hour trip to the North Pole with the whole family. Experience the sights and sounds of the family-favorite movie while enjoying hot chocolate, Walker’s Shortbread, storytime and a silver sleigh bell surprise.
Christmas Light Spectacular
Allaire Community Farm, Wall Twp.
Open Sunday Christmas weekend
Spend the evening with family and friends, under the wonder of the twinkling light display around the farm, as seen from our holiday hay wagon. Hayrides leave promptly according to ticket time. Please allow extra time in arriving.
Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Friday – Sunday
Take a ride on your favorite Six Flags rides surrounded by glittering lights. There will be shows, rides, food and even a Wine Fest for the adults. The Drive-Thru Experience starts November 15, so get ready for a ride full of holiday cheer and explore the magic of the season.
Holiday Light Spectacular
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
(Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats.
Holiday Light Show
Shady Brook Farm, Yardley, PA
Friday – Sunday
This spectacular Holiday Light Show features more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland. Encounter whimsical displays and familiar characters as you drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride (weather permitting).
Magical Talking Christmas Tree and Train Ride
Historic Smithville, Smithville
(Closed Christmas Day)
If you are having trouble locating Mrs. Claus, you can always ask the Magic Tree. Next to the Smithville Train Station an over-sized Christmas tree is brought in from Santa’s private forest. This beautifully decorated Christmas tree awakens to talk with you and your children about the upcoming holidays. Right next to the Magic Talking Tree the Smithville Train has decorated it’s tracks for the holidays. For $3 per person, you can take a short ride on the outskirts of Smithville on this fun, whimsical train.
Bonfire and S’mores
Historic Smithville, Smithville
(Closed Christmas Day)
Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the month of December you can join for s’mores around the campfire on the Greene. For a small fee you will purchase your own s’mores packet and stick and make delicious treats from 5pm – 8pm, weather permitting.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
DiDonato Family Fun Center, Hammonton
(Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
Take a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet and greet Santa and his elves in his workshop. Hear stories and take photos with Mrs. Claus. The event culminates with a present from Santa.